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Fastlink on schedule

19/06/2013

Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) is working alongside Glasgow City Council (GCC) to progress the development of a Fastlink Core Route between Glasgow City Centre and the New South Glasgow Hospitals.

A new Fastlink animation is now available and members of SPT’s Strategy & Programmes Committee heard on Friday (14 June) that route analysis is largely complete and a recommendation for bus-only-road, kerbside bus lanes, centre-road bus lanes and bus priority measures at junctions have been outlined.

Public consultation meetings are also being carried out as part of the Traffic Regulation Orders process and results will be fed in to the final detailed design. GCC aim to issue tenders for the Fastlink infrastructure works in July 2013.

As part of the route through the city, Union St will be redeveloped to create a bus hub for users at this focal point in the city.

The city centre measures are vital to encourage bus operators to participate in Fastlink and deliver a significant 20% reduction in bus journey times.

It is hoped that the £40million package of improvements will then act as a catalyst for bringing key bus corridors running in and out of Glasgow up to ‘Fastlink Standard’, making it a regional-wide scheme.

Other improvements will see real time passenger information installed at bus stops and stances and number plate recognition CCTV brought in to deter drivers of other vehicles taking advantage of bus-only routes.

SPT is project sponsor of Fastlink with GCC acting as delivery agent.

SPT members have also approved £150,000 to support the further development of an extension to the Core Route, from the New South Glasgow Hospitals through Braehead and on to Renfrew Town Centre.

SPT is working in partnership with Renfrewshire Council on the development of the Fastlink Core Route extension.